Guess Where?

Another cracking day on the slopes yesterday. The drive to the slopes was like driving through a wintry calendar picture, with snowy hillsides. deep snow piled by the ploughs at the side of the road, and big lumps of snow bending branches on the overhanging trees.


It was quite clear on arrival that a combination of great snow, good weather and the school mid term break had prompted quite a few others to a similar plan of action - the ample car parks were overflowing, including the overflow car park!

But once on the hill the slopes didn't seem too busy. With all runs and and uplifts working there was plenty of space for everyone. The snow was in great condition and the skiing fantastic.

So where were we? Brevent? Flegere? Les Houches perhaps?

No, all wrong. Cairgorm Mountain, Scotland!

Snow Still Falling

Plenty of snow still falling in Argentiere this week. Some great conditions on the mountains but if you're just starting out and want a bit of family fun then you're as well using the 'beginner slopes' at the foot of the hills.

Here's a photo of Les Chosalets, close to the foot of the Grand Montets ski lifts in Argentiere. Great for messing about on, though they don't take too kindly to sledges! Spot the apartment in the background - the large apex building in the middle right of the photo.

She moves in mysterious ways

Isn't it just a little odd that a bit of snow in the UK can cause so much disruption?

Jodie shredding the piste at Flegere with the Dru & the Aiguille Verte as a backdrop.

Having had half an eye on the weather in the UK throughout the week, we had thought that we'd escape any of the problems on our way home again as Glasgow was largely clear of the heaviest falls. But no. The flight crew were stuck in Luton, and so we were left in Geneva twiddling our thumbs for several hours while the reinforcements were dragged in.

Finishing off Lachanel at Flegere - another classic Chamonix Valley red run for Jodie and Sam

At risk of stating the bleeding obvious, isn't it all down to being prepared? I have to admit I was slightly concerned yesterday morning to find that after a light overnight fall there was a full 6" of snow lying on the drive, and a Mazda 6 in the garage that had an appointment to keep at the airport. This'll be fun?! But with snow tyres fitted, it was as if there was no snow at all, this despite the snow being deeper than the front spoiler.

So, how bad would things be if we all invested in a set of winter tyres?! Would that keep the schools open?

Anyway, back home now and sorting through a few more of the films and photos from another great week in Argentiere. How about this one of some more sledging. The soundtrack was there already - no through some clever film editing!

Little kids and big kids

Snow seems to be causing much chaos for the UK at the moment, whilst here in Argentière its causing much amusement.

Went for a bit of a walk through the forests, at times disappearing a full leg length into the soft stuff. Slightly milder conditions have caused a bit of a thaw, so what might have supported a person’s weight yesterday, was having second thoughts today.

Found a few ‘interesting’ runs for the sledges. Just about managed to avoid any broken bones but the ski jump ramp at the top of the Les Chosalets beginners area did look very tempting! However, inevitably we ended up back at the old favourite at the foot of Marmottons for an hour or 2 of amusement, followed by crepes and pizza.

Also gave Caroline time to play with the settings on her Christmas pressie. Look, it does black and whites too!

It's a bit chilly!

Can’t help but wonder what the wind chill factor is when its –5 degrees and its blowing 30 kph. Regardless, it’s cold. Cold enough to give you a damn good ice cream headache when sat on a lift riding slowly into the oncoming wind. Absolutely Baltic in fact.


Amazing then that wee Sam didn’t grumble at all about the cold today. There’s me in my branded ‘Gucci’ kit, from thermals through to Gore-Tex, and there’s he in anything we can find him that’ll fit and won’t break the bank because he’ll soon be growing out of it. Who’s gonna crumble first…?!So its not quite the weather that we had last time we were out skiing – at Easter last year. But all the same, great to be back in the Argentière apartment, at the head of the Chamonix Valley. It’s a quick week, or at least I reckon it will be by the time we hit Saturday, but still long enough to enjoy all the reasons that made us finally decide to buy a place out here.

Have to say that the place is looking good. Our second full winter season and we’re definitely making our mark. The floor which I put down back in November has transformed the place. Already thinking that I might try and find time to come out again later this season and have a go at closing off the double door to the family bedroom, making the lounge much cosier in the process. And maybe find a few hours to hit the trails at the same time, naturally!